With longer days and warmer weather, it’s the perfect opportunity to refresh your outdoor spaces. For many, gardening is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to connect with nature, reduce stress and create a personal oasis. Today, The Home Depot’s senior merchant of live goods – northern division, David Graham and merchant of soils/mulch, Molly Wolfe, are sharing their insights. Let's dig into some big trends for the upcoming season.
What’s driving excitement in spring gardening for 2025?
David Graham: This spring, we’re seeing the emergence of vibrant and resilient plants. Exclusive to The Home Depot, products like the SuperCal Petunias Blue-Eyed Rose bring unparalleled beauty. These petunias bounce back after rain better than most flowers on the market. We’re also very excited about PW Leafjoy Terraform Terrariums, a self-sustaining plant ecosystem that’s effortless to maintain.
Molly Wolfe: On my side, there’s huge excitement around organic gardening. We’re expanding the Miracle Gro organic soil line with two new SKUs, so more customers can ensure their gardens are naturally and sustainably nourished. Also, our new bagged pine straw is an innovative way to make landscaping cleaner and easier for customers this year.
What is one fact about gardening that customers might not know?
David Graham: Here’s something interesting: Gardening has one of the highest “failure” rates for beginners, yet customers keep trying. It highlights how much joy and mental well-being plants bring into people’s lives. Flowers genuinely create happiness, and gardening can act as an incredible stress reliever.
Molly Wolfe: I’ll add this about soils—many people don’t realize that the main difference between organic and non-organic soils comes down to the fertilizer used. Organic soils rely on natural components like compost and manure, while synthetic fertilizers are the base for non-organic options.
Any tips for beginners who want their spring garden to succeed?
David Graham: Absolutely! Success often comes down to using all the right tools to care for your plants. It’s not enough to grab a flower pot; you also need the proper soil, plant food, and mulch. Pairing these together can vastly increase your chances of growing healthy plants. Surrounding yourself with the right products helps make the experience rewarding rather than frustrating.
Molly Wolfe: Planning ahead is a game-changer for beginners. Know your sunlight exposure and invest in easy-to-manage plants suited for your space. Blend decorative items like bagged pine straw or mulch into your layout to create balance while keeping maintenance simple.
What’s new in The Home Depot garden department for spring?
David Graham: We’ve added some exciting new plants, including the Burpee Capeliente Pepper, a compact jalapeño variety that’ll be perfect for patio gardening. Tomatoes are also going to be a big focus this spring because growing your own will save money as grocery prices rise. Lastly, we have new exclusive SunPatiens colors for 2025, which are perfect for vibrant, hard-to-maintain sunny areas.
Molly Wolfe: To respond to customer demand, we’ve expanded our Vigoro bagged pine straw into 200 more stores. This product compresses two bales of pine straw into one bag, making it super convenient for our customers. We’re giving people smarter, easier options for landscaping.
What inspires you the most about working at The Home Depot?
David Graham: For me, it’s about educating associates and customers. That knowledge can turn someone’s gardening experience from good to great. Seeing a customer succeed in their garden—that’s a win for us all.
Molly Wolfe: I find inspiration in how dynamic merchandising is. Every season is different, and we’re constantly evolving to bring better products and ideas to life in stores. Plus, it’s clear that sustainability in gardening is trending, and I’m proud to be part of the positive change.
How do you balance your personal life with such demanding roles?
David Graham: I’m all about balance. Between work, gardening, fitness competitions, and family, I’ve found routines that keep me grounded. Working out is a huge stress reliever for me, just like spending time in the garden. Both give me clarity and joy.
Molly Wolfe: It’s constantly about finding time for the things that matter, like walking around my neighborhood or solving (attempting?) those NYT crossword puzzles. Gardening has also become a way to connect professionally and personally, which adds even more motivation to keep growing every day.
